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Adam Stachowiak, who co-owns the store, told the Naperville Sun two women and a man came in and “asked to play with puppies.”

The women distracted employees while the man left with the dog. The trio was gone in less than five minutes.

Stachowiak said the thieves appeared to be of Indian or Middle Eastern descent. The man wore a black shirt and sweatpants, and one of the women wore a pink shirt and black pants, while the other was dressed “in a traditional-looking, white sari,” he said.

This is the latest in a string of animal thefts from the store. Since March 2008, people have stolen four puppies and six exotic birds. Almost all the animals have been recovered.

“It is so sad to think that someone has to resort to stealing, to have a pet,” Stachowiak said. “Our main concern is the health and safety of the dog.”

Those who believe they have information about those responsible for Friday’s theft can call Naperville police at (630) 420-6666.